Abstract: A graft suspension device for suspending a ligament in a bone hole having a first loop and a second loop suspending from an 8-hole anchor, and a cradle at the opposite end of the loops to the anchor. The loose ends of the suture are routed through holes in the anchor separate from the loops and are joined together to form a single tail. A finger loop allows a surgeon to adjust the distance of the cradle from the anchor with the cradle staying centered with respect to the anchor as the distance is adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to sutures which promote wound closure and/or healing. In particular, the present invention provides fibrin microthread sutures that mimic the mechanical behavior of a target tissue thereby reducing, for example, scarring, inflammation, and cell death at the ligature site, including monofilament sutures.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing an anatomical tear, such as a tear in the meniscus of a human knee. The apparatus includes a guide cannula directing a penetrating shaft through the meniscal tear and through the outer skin layer of the knee. The penetrating shaft pulls a line to the outside of the skin layer of the knee where it is used to pull or kedge a repair implant into position across the meniscal tear.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming at least one curved polymeric microneedle, wherein the microneedle includes a base portion and an elongated body portion terminating in a sharp tip, said elongated body portion comprising a lower portion that is 15% to 25% of the height of the microneedle, said elongated body portion being connected to said base layer. The method comprises: heating an array comprising said base layer and at least a segment of said elongated body portion; passing the heated array against a fixed member to bend the microneedles; and allowing the bent, heated array to be cooled. The heat applied to the base layer and elongated body portion is sufficient to cause the heated microneedle to be at or above the glass transition temperature of the polymer of the microneedle, but below a temperature that would cause the lower portion to bend during the passing step.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical soft tissue repair device includes a snare assembly coupled to a soft anchor in which the soft anchor has a first, unstressed configuration that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and a second, anchoring configuration that can be used to fixate the anchor in the bone. The snare assembly can be configured to actuate the anchor from the first configuration to the second configuration, and it can also be used to engage and approximate tissue by drawing the tissue closer to the anchor fixated in the bone. The snare assembly can be used in conjunction with a number of different anchor configurations, and other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with soft tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. Soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with a fixation device, a flexible strand with multiple flexible limbs, and a shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand to shuttle the multiple flexible limbs through the flexible strand and form a locking splice.

Abstract: A tissue fastener having fixed points of tissue attachment including a first elongate elastic component and a second elongate component having one or more elongate sections each adjacent section delineated by at least one frangible point.

Abstract: A rope and a method of constructing the rope. The rope may be of 12×12 braided construction and include a core for its length. The rope includes a plurality of primary strands, and each of the primary strands includes a plurality of fibers which may be made of a high-friction material. The rope also includes a secondary strand surrounded by the plurality of primary strands. The secondary strand includes a plurality of fibers which may be made of a low-friction material.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of cells, each cell being formed by a plurality of struts. A valve assembly is secured to the stent and includes a cuff and a plurality of leaflets. The plurality of leaflets are attached to the cuff adjacent an underwire that extends about the perimeter of the cuff.

Abstract: A self-retaining suture having particular application for treating obstructive sleep apnea and use thereof. The suture includes rising an elongated suture body having a periphery and first and second tissue-penetrating ends each with a bi-curve needle, and a plurality of first retainers on a first segment and oriented to the first end, and a plurality of second retainers a second segment and oriented to the second end, and a retainer-free transition segment disposed between the pluralities of first and second retainers.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods suitable for knotless arthroscopic repair of tissue defects include two fixation members coupled by two limbs of suture comprising a continuous loop. A unidirectional restriction element that can be a preformed locking, sliding suture knot proximate to one of the fixation members, provides tensioning of the repair.

Abstract: A tissue fixation device including a self-locking construct having a first loop, a second loop, and a first free end. A first tail is coupled to, and extends from, the first loop. A second tail is coupled to, and extends from, the second loop. An anchor is coupled to one of the self-locking construct or the first tail such that one of the self-locking construct or the first tail extend through the anchor.

Abstract: A method to perform mini-invasive vaginal ostium plastic surgery and anal tightening procedures, includes: using at least one barbed cylindrical suture with barbs divided into two divergent groups, the sharp ends of the barbs being inclined in the direction of the respective ends, so as to oppose the traction of the thread exerted on both ends, each end being provided with a needle; preparing insertion and emergence cuts in the working plane of the female perineum; introducing the barbed suture thread by inserting needles placed at its ends, at different times, into the same starting hole, in order to emerge from the same outlet hole, thus completing the path in different anatomical planes of the female perineum; tying together the two ends of the at least one suture after having emerged from the same outlet hole, then closing the loop with at least one knot.

Abstract: Absorbable composite medical devices such as surgical meshes and braided sutures, which display two or more absorption/biodegradation and breaking strength retention profiles and exhibit unique properties in different clinical settings, are made using combinations of at least two types of yarns having distinctly different physicochemical and biological properties and incorporate in the subject construct special designs to provide a range of unique properties as clinically useful implants.

Abstract: An adjustable construct for fixation of a tendon or ligament graft in a tunnel. The construct comprises a flexible, adjustable loop connected to tissue (for example, graft, ligament or tendon). The adjustable loop may be integrated with an additional tissue supporting device (for example, a wedge or a plug). The tissue is secured within a bone socket/tunnel by adjusting the length of the flexible adjustable loop.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, soft suture anchors are provided that are made entirely of biocompatible suture material. In accordance with embodiments, soft suture anchors are provided that when deployed, an anchor engages a pilot hole.

Abstract: An anchoring device having an elongate body at a proximal portion, a distal portion of the elongate body forming a loop at a distal portion of the anchoring device, and a pledget placed over the elongate body adjacent a proximal portion of the loop. The loop further includes a plurality of anchors disposed along a surface thereof and the loop. Methods for securing anchoring devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for coupling tissue includes aligning a guide tool on an outer surface of a first tissue; forming a bore in the first tissue aligned with the guide tool; deploying a non-slip suture construct through the guide tool and into the bore; adjusting a saddle along a flexible member to a position adjacent to a soft anchor, wherein the saddle prevents the flexible member from slideably moving relative to the soft anchor; and threading the flexible member through a second tissue to secure the second tissue to the first tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus and methods for tissue lifting, or for correcting a ptosis condition caused by tissue stretching, are described. In some embodiments a tissue is supported by a support member. In some embodiments, tension is applied to a support member through at least one suspension member. The described embodiments provide examples of methods and apparatus effective for use in lifting or otherwise applying tension to various tissues, including tissues of the breast, buttock, thigh, arm, abdomen, neck and face.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a chordal replacement system comprising: a pledget coupled to a first suture length and at least one of a first needle and a first ferrule; a second suture length coupled to the pledget and at least a second needle; and a third suture length coupled to the pledget and at least a third needle; wherein the second and third suture lengths are not monolithic with each other and do not constitute a single suture. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A method for making an expanded, and optionally multi-component and/or colored PTFE monofilament is disclosed. The method includes forming a first paste by mixing a PTFE powder with a hydrocarbon solvent; forming an extrusion preform by pressing the first paste into a form; curing the extrusion preform by exposing the extrusion preform to a first temperature for a first time duration; forming a green monofilament by extruding the first paste through a die; expanding the green monofilament by exposing the green monofilament to a second temperature for a second time duration, the second time duration occurring after the first time duration; stretching the green monofilament substantially along a longitudinal axis of the green monofilament, the stretching the green monofilament occurring after the expanding the green monofilament; and sintering the green monofilament after the stretching the green monofilament.

Abstract: A barbed suture and a method of forming a barbed suture are disclosed. The barbed suture includes a core fiber and a sheet, which can be monolithic or formed from a plurality of longitudinally extending fibers, which is placed around the core fiber.

Abstract: A medical device for wound closure, e.g., repairing perforations and tissue wall defects. The medical device has a barbed elongate body and an outer member. The medical device may further include a foam structure. The medical device may also include an inner member which may be a tissue scaffold. A method for closing tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suture which is firmly maintained and fixed to an operation site to stably sustain suturing or lifting effects for a long time. More specifically, the present invention provides a suture having a conic or pyramidal shape with a cut top, wherein a suture supporter comprising a communication hole penetrating the both ends is provided at one end. The suture support can have one or more portions which are cut vertically from a lower end at a lower end portion having a larger diameter between the both ends, or a part of the lower end can be removed so as to form one or more gaps formed from the end at a wall of the end portion.

Abstract: A suture and a suture retainer are positioned relative to body tissue. Ultrasonic vibratory energy is utilized to heat the suture retainer and effect a bonding of portions of the suture retainer to each other and/or to the suture. Portions of the body tissue may be pressed into linear apposition with each other and held in place by cooperation between the suture and the suture retainer. The suture retainer may include one or more portions between which the suture extends. The suture retainer may include sections which have surface areas which are bonded together. If desired, the suture may be wrapped around one of the sections of the suture retainer. The suture retainer may be formed with a recess in which the suture is received. If desired, the suture retainer may be omitted and the sections of the suture bonded to each other.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a mesh having an edge, a loop coupled to the edge of the mesh, and a suture coupled to at least one of the loop or the edge of the mesh, the suture having a barb. The loop can have an inner diameter smaller than a combined width of the suture and at least a portion of an outer portion of the barb.

Abstract: A medical device for installing sutures to close an incision in tissue or human skin is disclosed. The suturing device may provide first and second arcuate needles. Once properly positioned, the first and second arcuate needles are driven through the sub-dermal layer, or alternatively through a superficial surface, of two sections of skin to be joined. This is done in arcuate fashion and at identical and symmetrical rates of angular displacement. During the driving or retraction process of the first and second arcuate needles, a suture is positioned within both the first and second sections of skin and transformed from a planar or a multi-planar serpentine orientation to a helical orientation. The resulting suturing process is thus much faster than conventional or manual suturing and results in superior wound approximation/alignment that will lead to decreased scarring compared to prior art devices.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for engaging sutures and anchors and the resulting suture and anchor sets. In certain aspects, an end of the suture may be heated to create a melted mass of suture material. The melted mass may act as a shoulder to resist backing out of a hole in the anchor through which the suture is threaded, thereby engaging the suture and the anchor. Adhesive material may optionally be used to enhance the engagement between the suture and anchor.

Abstract: An anchor is provided for placement in or against tissue. The anchor includes a fibrous construct and at least a first filament. Each filament passes through the construct in at least three passing locations including a first location nearest a first end of the construct, a last location nearest a second end of said construct, and at least one intermediate location between said first passing location and said last passing location. In an undeployed state, each filament extends a first length between said first location and said last location. In a deployed state, each filament extends a second length between the first location and the last location. The second length is shorter than said first length.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tissue fixation/attachment/reattachment using a knotless tensionable suture construct. The knotless tensionable suture construct is a self-tensioning suture loop that can be tensioned and retensioned after the repair and can be cycled few times. The self-tensioning suture loop is formed of: (i) a simple metal surgical needle with a thin loop off the base of it to allow suture to slide through it; (ii) a single strand of surgical suture which can be of various sizes and colors; (iii) a large knot which is tied to create a large bulge to fix the construct to the device (this can be a knot or secondary piece of material, like a button); (iv) a splice formed by the single strand of suture going back through itself, the splice locking the suture in place; and (v) a suture tail that is pulled to reduce the loop size of the construct and tension the repair.

Abstract: Barbed medical devices include a crown interconnecting a pair of legs and at least one barb extending from each of the legs. The at least one barb may define an inner surface with a first portion disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the leg, a second portion disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis, and optionally, a third portion disposed at a third orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the leg.

Abstract: A suture stitch or a series of suture stitches with loops underneath and substantially parallel to the surface of a tissue for subcuticular suturing for reduced or minimized scarring and reduced suturing time. Each subsequent stitch connects with the previous suture through material across the diameter. The suture stitch or series of suture stitches include one or more knots acting as anchors for the first loop in the suture stitch or series of suture stitches, and the suture stitch or series of suture stitches are preferably administered via an automated suturing device.

Abstract: A flexible suture for coupling tissue includes a first suture portion extending to a first end and a second suture portion extending to a second end. A plurality of braided strands form the first and second suture portions. An identifier characteristic is formed into the plurality of braided strands. The identifier characteristic extends from the first end of the first suture portion to the second end of the second suture portion, and the identifier characteristic distinguishes the first suture portion from the second suture portion.

Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable creating composite slings are described. Novel procedures for assembling and utilizing composite slings are also detailed.

Abstract: A suspensory fixation device has an elongated anchor member adapted to be transversely situated at the exit of a bone tunnel. A graft supporting loop member formed of a pair of parallel suture limbs extending from a bight portion is suspended transversely from the anchor member and has a loop length which is adjustable so the graft ligament can be supported in the bone tunnel at varying distances from the anchor member. When a graft ligament is attached to the saddle end of the loop member, the length of the loop member may be shortened by simply pulling distally on the pair of limbs at one end of the loop member to pull the graft ligament into the bone tunnel a predetermined distance or until it bottoms out at the floor of the bone tunnel. When tension is applied to the loop member by the graft pulling the loop proximally, the bight portion of the suture automatically locks the graft supporting loop member in place.

Abstract: A barbed suture is provided. The barbed suture includes an elongate body and at least one barb extending from the elongate body. The elongate body defines a recess adjacent the at least one barb. Also provided is a method of making a barbed suture. The method includes the steps of providing a suture nest and a punch apparatus configured for operable engagement with the suture nest, loading a suture through the suture nest, engaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest, and disengaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest.

Abstract: A light-transmissive adhesive film includes an adhesive layer in which an elastic modulus in a second area is higher than that in a first area, and also includes release layers on upper and lower portions of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A novel high tensile strength semi-absorbable composite suture with minimized non-absorbable mass. The suture has a core made from a bioabsorbable polymer. The core is covered by a braided sheath. The braided sheath is made from an absorbable yarn and a bioabsorbable yarn. The bioabsorbable yarn is made from a least one filament of a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable yarn is made from at least one filament of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: A soft anchor assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sheath, a first flexible strand affixed as non-sliding relative to the sheath and a second flexible strand slidable relative to the sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices, e.g., surgical sutures, surgical staples, surgical pads, surgical meshes, surgical scaffolds etc., and methods of use at a wound in a patient to facilitate the rapid healing of the tissue at the situs of the wound with minimal fibrous tissue formation. The devices are arranged to be brought into engagement with tissue adjacent the wound to close the Wound and include a core formed of a piezo-electric material and an outer layer covering the core. The outer layer is platelet derived growth factors. The methods of use of the devices also include applying a local molecular energy production agent to the wound and irradiating the wound with a pulsed infra-red laser beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a creep-optimized ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber obtained by spinning an UHMWPE comprising olefinic branches (OB) and having an elongational stress (ES), and a ratio (OB/1000 C/ES) between the number of olefinic branches per thousand carbon atoms (OB/1000 C) and the elongational stress (ES) of at least 0.2, wherein said UHMWPE fiber when subjected to a load of 600 MPa at a temperature of 70° C., has a creep lifetime of at least 90 hours.

Abstract: A method for coupling soft tissue to bone including: positioning a first anchor in a first bone bore, the first anchor having a first self-locking adjustable suture construct including a first adjustable loop, a second adjustable loop, and a pair of first ends; positioning a second anchor in a second bone bore, the second anchor having a second self-locking adjustable suture construct including a third adjustable loop, a fourth adjustable loop, and a second end; positioning the first adjustable loop relative to the soft tissue; positioning the second adjustable loop about the third adjustable loop; and tensioning the pair of first ends and the second end to pull the first adjustable loop against the soft tissue, couple the second adjustable loop to the third adjustable loop, pull the second adjustable loop against the soft tissue, and pull the third adjustable loop against the soft tissue.

Abstract: A surgical suture fixation system includes a delivery guide, an anchor, a movable anchor deployment component and a spring mechanism provided between the delivery guide and the anchor deployment component. The anchor is received in the anchor deployment component. The anchor is attached to a length of suture that passes through a channel in the delivery guide to connect with a fixation device outside the delivery guide. The anchor deployment component is configured to deliver the anchor into a tissue location. The system is adapted to fixing the suture to the tissue location with the anchor for supporting an implantable support material in a patient. A method of fixing the surgical suture to the tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for securing a tissue graft within a bone passage includes providing a graft fixation device that houses a closed loop having both braided and non-braided portions. A tissue graft is looped through the closed loop at the non-braided portion to attach the tissue graft to the graft fixation device. The graft fixation device is passed through the bone passage and seated against the surface of the bone to secure the tissue graft within the bone passage.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a suture into a pilot hole in bone, utilizing a suture anchor. A lumen-defining circular soft wall, having a first and second end, is slidably engaged to a piece of suture, a first length of which extends from the first end of the wall and is threaded through the lumen from the second end, and a second length of which extends from the second end and is threaded through the lumen from the first end. The suture anchor is introduced into the pilot hole so that the first length and second length of suture material extend out of the pilot hole. The first length and second length are pulled on alternately, thereby permitting the suture anchor structure to slide on the piece of suture material, and to be compacted evenly by the pulling, until the suture anchor is set in the pilot hole.

Abstract: A colored suture includes an elongate woven braid of filaments including one or more ends made of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The suture also includes second and third ends which can be colorable or dyeable before or after incorporation into the elongate woven braid. This invention provides surgeons with improved recognition of suture ends in surgery by construction of a bi-colored co-braid with at least two ends of different color schemes or patterns braided into a UHMWPE construction. One of the colored ends runs continuously from one end of the suture to the other end. The other colored end can be colored only on one half of the end. This provides a suture with two distinguishable ends, while still maintaining a continuous line of color along the length of the suture.

Abstract: Systems and methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are described. A system can include a variable-thickness suspension line for suspending tissue, including a suture having a first thickness dimension; an elastomer surrounding a portion of the suture and defining a central segment of the suspension line having a second thickness dimension greater than the first thickness dimension, and at least one transition zone extending from the central segment of the suspension line to a lateral end of the suspension line, the transition zones having a thickness dimension that tapers from the second thickness dimension to the first thickness dimension.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods suitable for knotless arthroscopic repair of tissue defects include two fixation members coupled by two limbs of suture comprising a continuous loop. A unidirectional restriction element that can be a preformed locking, sliding suture knot proximate to one of the fixation members, provides tensioning of the repair.

Abstract: The present invention provides for implant device delivery apparatuses and related methods of use. The delivery systems of the present invention incorporate a stretch resistant tube that advantageously makes the implant device, such as an embolic coil, stretch resistant while a delivery system is being used to position the implant device at a desired target site.

Abstract: Implantable prostheses for reinforcing and repairing defects in a muscular or tissue wall and a method for fabricating the prostheses that minimizes wasted mesh material and reduces the labor and time required for fabrication. The prosthesis may include a plug body formed of surgical mesh material having a closed end, a larger open end, and a cavity extending therebetween, and a filler body formed of the surgical mesh material comprising a plurality of petals extending radially outwardly from and spaced laterally about a common base disposed in the plug body with the common base attached to the closed end of the plug body. The plug bodies are cut as circular pieces, and the filler bodies are cut as hour-glass shaped pieces from the same sheet of material so as to leave virtually no wasted mesh material. The filler pieces may be attached to the plug body piece by welding.